Which symptom combination is most indicative of hypoglycemia in a client using insulin?

• A. Nervousness and sweating
• B. Fatigue and hyperventilation
• C. Dry mouth and dehydration
• D. Weight gain and lethargy

Answer: (A)

When blood sugar drops, the body’s counterregulatory response triggers the sympathetic system, producing early warning signs. Nervousness paired with sweating reflects this adrenergic activation designed to raise glucose quickly. It’s the most specific and common early clue of hypoglycemia in someone using insulin. Other symptom clusters aren’t as tightly linked to low glucose: fatigue with hyperventilation can occur in anxiety or other conditions, dry mouth and dehydration point more toward high glucose and osmotic diuresis, and weight gain with lethargy suggests chronic hyperglycemia or poor control. If hypoglycemia is suspected, check the blood sugar and treat with a fast-acting carbohydrate if it’s low.